Liverpool boss Rodgers shows interest in Chelsea's Sturridge

The British Daily Mirror reports that Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is keen to make a move for Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge, and is prepared to sell winger Stewart Downing and midfielder Charlie Adam in order to finance the deal.

Despite saying the 23-year-old could only leave in a permanent deal, West Ham and Newcastle have not withdrawn their offers to loan the player for the season.

Manchester City are close to completing the signing of Fiorentina defender Matija Nastasic, with Stefan Savic joining the Italian club as part of the deal.

The Guardian reported that Nastasic is expected to join the English champions ahead of Friday’s transfer deadline, with Fiorentina set to receive 12 million euros ($15.06 million) in addition to Savic.

Nastasic only joined the Florentine club last summer, making 25 league appearances as the Viola finished last season in 13th place.

The 19-year-old played in Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Udinese, but this looks likely to have been his last game for the club.

Savic has widely been expected to leave City this summer after failing to make the grade at the Etihad Stadium.

Aston Villa have seen an opening bid of 5.5 million pounds for striker Christian Benteke rejected by Genk.

The 21-year-old Belgium forward has attracted interest from a number of Premier League clubs, including Everton and Fulham, but Villa are the first side to have registered a formal offer.

The midlands club are expected to return with an improved offer, and reports in the British media suggest they expect a deal to be completed before Friday’s deadline.

Queens Park Rangers midfielder Joey Barton has claimed that his proposed move to Marseille has fallen through, adding that he has been told to return to training with the youth team.

“Doesn’t look like this Marseille thing is going to happen now. Whatever doesn’t kill you make you stronger #heartbroken.” Barton wrote on Twitter. “Been forced to go back to training with the kids.”

The player looks to have no future at Loftus Road after being sent off in the final game of last season.

Barton was handed a 12-match ban for his part in a fracas that followed his sending off, with QPR also fining him six weeks’ wages and stripping him of the captaincy.

A move to France was agreed last week between the clubs, with Barton saying that his “heart was already in the Velodrome,” referring to Marseille’s stadium.

QPR hope to complete the signing of Inter Milan goalkeeper Julio Cesar within the next 48 hours, with the 32-year-old arriving in London Monday to agree to the deal.

The news of Cesar’s imminent transfer has been greeted with surprise in the player’s native Brazil, where he is regarded as one of the nation’s greatest ever keeper’s.

Southampton have agreed a club record 11 million pound deal for Bologna winger Gaston Ramirez, with the 21-year-old expected to sign a five year deal worth 45,000 pounds a week.

The news comes just days after a move looked to have collapsed.

Spurs have decided to move for Fulham’s Moussa Dembele after having sanctioned the sale of Luka Modric to Real Madrid, while the club have also agreed a 13 million pound fee with Lyon for goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

Lloris will now meet with Tottenham to discuss personal terms, although the move is expected to be completed swiftly.

Spurs have been pursuing French No. 1 Lloris all summer, having had a previous offer of 11 million euros rebuffed by Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas, although it seems they have returned with an improved offer.

“I had contact with Daniel Levy [the Tottenham chairman] on Sunday and the position between the two clubs has got closer,” Aulas said. “I have told Hugo about the discussions with Tottenham and everything is in his hands. The decision is his.”

Dembele was particularly impressive during Fulham’s game with Manchester United Saturday, and speculation has been mounting that he will leave the club in the coming days.

Fulham are said to be reluctant to consider selling Belgian international for less than 15 million pounds.